Best Time to Remove Dendrobium Keikis?

[Lambert]

I have a well established Den Hercoglossum which has bloomed regularly and produced over the years a lot (A LOT) of keikis.
(you can't really tell from the picture but there has to be at least 15)
I have read that Hercoglossums tend to be keiki machines and that it isn't necessarily a bad sign.
I have never removed any of the keikis but reading through some posts, I feel like maybe the time has come to tidy up a little.
(Even though I quite like the "bad hair day" tangled look)
When is the best time to remove the keikis? I have read conflicting info.
Also what is the best way to remove them without damaging the canes?
Thanks!

[clintdawley]

Nice looking plant! People generally remove keikis when they being growing roots of their own so that they can be easily transplanted. If you don't want them, by all means hack away now! . I use a razor blade to remove them. Nice clean cut at the base of the node. (Sprinkle some cinnamon on the cut.)

I like this one bushy. I would bet in bloom that it would be a wonderful sight!

[Lambert]

Clint, thanks for answering.
One more question, are you in favor of removing the keikis, will they eventually drain/weaken the plant or would you leave them on?
(I am like you, I like the bushy look and would gladly leave them on!)

[clintdawley]

In my experience, I say that they really don't on the sympodials like dends, but might have a drain on a marginally healthy Phal. I say if you like it, leave it that way. After all, no-one removes keikis in the wild and the plant looks uber healthy.

Clint, thanks for answering.
One more question, are you in favor of removing the keikis, will they eventually drain/weaken the plant or would you leave them on?
(I am like you, I like the bushy look and would gladly leave them on!)

[Ron-NY]

I usually remove keikis when roots are at least 2" long. With kingianums, I harvest keikis directly after blooming is done

[orchid-man]

I like to remove the keikei at the beginning of the third growing season.Why?it takes to the media more readily as its not forced to make new roots to survive,it grows normally and is likely to flower that year.

[Lambert]

Murray,

What do you mean by the "third growing season"?

(hopefully not being dense, junior grower here! thanks!

[orchid-man]

growing season 1 = the year that the keikei starts
growing season 2 = the next year = 2 bulbs at the end of the growing season

Murray,

What do you mean by the "third growing season"?

(hopefully not being dense, junior grower here! thanks!